Odd Fellows Newsletter

​

Dear Dedicated Members for Change,

Does your Lodge have a newsletter? If you do, good for you! If you don’t, consider starting one. They are valuable tools (particularly during the pandemic) to keep the members informed of comings-and-goings and happenings, and to give notices and reminders. They are effective and efficient vehicles to build cohesion and to share information. They also provide an opportunity to recognize members for their work on behalf of the Lodge and for the community.

Most newsletters are produced monthly, and some even weekly. Many newsletters are produced in hard-copy and mailed to members. Far more efficiently (and cheaply) some newsletters are produced electronically and emailed to members. To have an effective newsletter, you need just three things: (1) The will by Lodge leadership to do it; (2) Snail mail addresses or email addresses for members (and also for applicants for membership as some Lodges send the newsletter to the applicants); and (3) A reliable person or small committee to accumulate the information and “publish” the newsletter.

Newsletters can start short and simple. Every journey must start with a step. Once it starts, it can grow as members can give the newsletter “editor” information to include in future newsletters.

To give you an example of an effective newsletter, I am forwarding a recent copy of the newsletter that I produce for my Lodge, Davis #169 in California. This newsletter is called “The Odd Gossip Page” and it is produced electronically once each week and emailed to every member and every applicant (in my Lodge we call the applicants “Pledges” until the time they are initiated). By the way, I also serve as Membership Chair for my Lodge and I have found the newsletter to be a very effective tool not only for internal communication, but also for membership development.

F – L – T

Dave Rosenberg
Past Grand Master
Jurisdiction of California

 

Dear Odd Fellows and Pledges,

Here we are in the final days of 2021. Get ready for yet another dose of Odd Gossip. We call it “gossip”, but we publish only positive information about the Lodge, the members, comings and goings, tidbits and events. Nothing negative published here. If you have any input for future Odd Gossip Pages, please send it along to me. Here’s this week’s version of “Odd Gossip”.

* * * * * * *

Happy Birthday to the Odd Fellows and Pledges Born in the Month of January

The list of January birthday boys and girls was compiled by Financial Secretary Beth Dovi (thank you, Beth). We wish a happy birthday to the Members of our Lodge and the Pledges who were born in January. Happy Birthday, you crazy January kids.

• Terry Antonelli
• Dominic Berlingeri (Pledge)
• Michael Bisch
• Lang Bledsoe
• Bob Bockwinkel
• Benjamin Brezing (Pledge)
• Sheryl Cambron
• Tim Carroll
• John Coburn (Pledge)
• Evan Daly
• Sean Davis
• Nigel Delaney
• Matthew Elliott
• Ann Filmer
• Charles Filmer
• Terri Fong
• Russ Gebhardt
• Marna Ghiglieri
• Larry Guenther
• David Hafter
• Pam Holm
• Gretchen Ladley
• Kati O’Day
• Kelli O’Day
• Ilse Pastor (Pledge)
• Dean Ranns
• Karen Russell
• Don Sherman
• Raquel Silva
• Terry Toy
• Marian Zingaro
• Maya Zingaro

 

* * * * * * *

Last Chance to Donate the Gift of Blood – You can Donate to the Blood Drive at the Lodge this Wednesday, December 29

Here’s a message for the Lodge from James Bledsoe, Past Grand, who organizes our blood drives:

“Our 5th Odd Fellows Blood Drive of this Year is on December 29, 2021 – from 12 noon till 5 pm. We hope to end the year averaging 45 pints per Drive. That’s 225 pints of donated Blood and up to 675 lives saved. Way to go Davis Odd Fellow Lodge and Community!

We have over 25 donors signed up so far – awesome! Please sign up today!

Sign up:
https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=8LK7V2ggHhzM%2FcCTOv0M7DGICYVMBeJSZnRqnJNkQnA%3D

And thank you to Blood Drive volunteers. Terri Fong is helping on set up. Nan Schuman Klein is signing folks in at the door. Joel Mandel will be staffing the snack table. And JoAnne Hokanson is in charge of clean up. We are fully staffed!”

* * * * * * *

And This Is Your Last Chance to Vote for the “Readers’ Choice” Awards

The deadline to vote is this Friday, December 31. Every year, the Davis Enterprise runs this survey to pick the best of the best. So cast your votes today. The link to vote is: https://readerschoose.com/

We are talking about the Davis Enterprise’s “Readers’ Choice” survey. The paper is doing it again in 2021, and voting ends at the end of December. You can vote online and also via a printed ballot. I encourage all Odd Fellows and Pledges to vote. There are over 130 categories, and no one is expected to vote in all – however, you must vote for at least 20 categories to allow your ballot to be counted.

The printed ballot is available in the Davis Enterprise, or you can go online to vote at the url provided above in this email. It’s fun and easy.

And make sure to vote for “The Lodge at Odd Fellows Hall” in the category of “Best Venue to Hold an Event”.

* * * * * * *

January 1 Polar Bear Ride Coming – Calling All Strong and Sturdy Bicycle Riders!

Here’s a message from Maria Contreras Tebbutt, a Member of our Lodge and an active bicyclist:

“SAVE THE DATE! Start the new year right. Plan now to ride in the FREE Polar Bear Bike Ride on Saturday, January 1st, 12noon-2pm. Start anywhere on the Davis Bike Loop and ride in either direction (up to 12 mi) OR ride the 10 mi Woodland Bike Loop. Nothing will stop us, not rain, hail or snow. There will be FREE hot chocolate for riders at the 2pm afterparty at the Davis Food Co-op and at Nugget in Woodland. See the bike loop maps at www.TheBikeCampaign.com QUESTIONS? Contact Maria at funmaria@sbcglobal.net.”

* * * * * * *

First “Club Night at the Lodge” for 2022 Scheduled for January 6

WHEN: Thursday, January 6, 2022, Club Night doors open at 5:30 p.m. and Club Night wraps up around 8:00 p.m. (Note: This will be the first Club Night of 2022.)

WHERE: Lower Hall, Davis Odd Fellows Lodge.

WHO: Members and Pledges, and their guests, are cordially invited.

WHAT: Thursday evening’s “Club Night at the Lodge” features: (1) Comfort Food After the Holidays: Chicken Dumpling Soup (Veggie Dumpling Soup for the Vegetarians), Rolls, Grilled Cauliflower, Romaine Salad and Dilly Ranch Dressing. Yum! Dinner will be available soon after 6:05 p.m. Dinner is only $10 per plate. (2) The Bar. Our Bar will be open, staffed by volunteers, with a selection of wines, beer, and soft drinks – all at special Club Night prices. Cash welcome; credit cards accepted. (3) Trivia Night. Trivia Master will be Dave Rosenberg, here at the Lodge to challenge you with three quick rounds of trivia. We play by table and there are extraordinary and sublime prizes for the winning tables. Odd Fellows Trivia starts around 6:35 p.m. (4) Social Time. There will be plenty of time to get to chat and socialize with your Lodge mates. (5) Jigsaw Puzzles. Lea Rosenberg will supply the ever-popular 100-piece jigsaw puzzles (and some 200-piece puzzles) for the tables. (6) Big Screen Projection TV. Our big-screen television will be on and available tonight for your viewing pleasure. (7) The Piano Lounge. Our talented Lodge piano player, Blake Temple, will be on hand to entertain us on the baby grand piano.

WHY: Club Night at the Lodge is brought to you virtually every Thursday evening – just to kick back with your Lodge mates, relax, unwind, socialize, and have some fun. The Club Night Committee is co-chaired by Kathy Hemness and Kevin Sitz. Noble Grand Matt Elliott organizes the Club Night volunteers.

REMINDER: The Lodge mandates that attendees be vaccinated. In addition, Yolo County Health Officials have ordered that all individuals wear masks while indoors at a business or social gathering, whether vaccinated or not. This order applies to the Lodge Hall. The restrooms, hallways, and rooms at the Lodge are thoroughly and professionally cleaned every day. There will be hand sanitizer on each table in the Lower Hall. Please wear your mask at all times inside the Lodge, unless you are eating or drinking at the moment. We want everyone to feel comfortable and to be safe.

* * * * * * *

January Is the Month for Four Installations at the Lodge Hall

We have four Installations of 2022 Officers coming up during the month of January, all being held at the Lodge Hall. Installations are scheduled for the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge, the Davis Rebekah Lodge, the Davis Encampment, and Canton Davis. Here are the dates for the four Installations:

Wednesday, January 19: Canton Davis Installation Dinner. The event starts at 6:31 pm.

Saturday. January 22. Davis Encampment Installation Dinner. The event starts at 5:00 pm.

Monday, January 24. Davis Rebekah Lodge Installation Dinner. The event starts at 6:00 pm.

Sunday, January 30. Davis Odd Fellows Lodge Installation and Awards Dinner. The event starts at 5:30 pm.

The following 2022 Elected Officers will be installed at these Installation Dinners (in addition, appointed officers will be announced and installated as well):

Davis Odd Fellows Lodge:

Noble Grand Kurt Roggli
Vice Grand Larry Guenther
Secretary Juelie Roggli
Treasurer Kathy Hemness
Financial Secretary Beth Dovi

Davis Rebekah Lodge:

Noble Grand Charlene Sailer
Vice Grand Joel Mandel
Secretary Terry Toy
Treasurer Beth Dovi
Financial Secretary Lin Spangler

Davis Encampment:

Chief Patriarch Kevin Sitz
Senior Warden Charlene Sailer
Junior Warden Matthew Elliott
High Priestess Lea Rosenberg
Scribe Ann Filmer
Treasurer Duff Devine
Financial Scribe Sharon Hale

Canton Davis:

Captain Kevin Sitz
Lieutenant Matthew Elliott
Ensign Sharla Cheney
Clerk Sheryl Cambron
Accountant Joel Mandel

* * * * * * *

New Barn Owl Box Committee Looking to Fill Its Ranks

A brand new committee has launched!

Hoo would like to help barn owls in Davis? Join the newly formed Barn Owl Box Committee, to help build barn owl boxes (easy!) for either placement in trees on city property or in personal street trees in your neighborhood. Working in conjunction with the city’s wildlife coordinator, this committee will help build and place barn owl boxes throughout the city. Barn owls eat rats and gophers and are cool to hear hooting at night.

Contact Erik Vink (erik_vink@hotmail.com) for more details. Erik has advised that EIGHT members and pledges have already signed up for the new committee. But there is always room for more. NOTE: The Barn Owl Box Committee is holding its first organizing meeting tomorrow, Monday, December 27. I understand that folks can attend this meeting by phone. Please contact Erik for details on time and logistics.

* * * * * * *

The Odd Fellows “Senior Helper Committee” Could Use Your Help

The Lodge’s “Senior Helper Committee” assists older adult in Davis with small jobs around the home such as grab bar installation, connecting computers and TVs, changing smoke alarm batteries, yard work, etc. Sheila Allen serves as chair of this important community-serving committee.

If you want to help, please contact Sheila at 530-753-4551.

* * * * * * *

Getting Ready for Picnic Day 2022

Two of our Lodge committees, centered around Picnic Day, could use your help. If you wish to volunteer for either of these committees, please contact the chairs – they would love to have your help. Picnic Day 2022 is on Saturday, April 23. The theme for the 2022 Picnic Day is “Rediscovering Tomorrow”.

Picnic Day Pancake Breakfast Committee. During the morning hours of April 23, the Lodge hosts our “Davis Odd Fellows Picnic Day Pancake Breakfast.” This is a tradition that goes back at least 70 years for our Lodge, and is very popular in our town. We provide a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee and juice at a very reasonable price. It’s a great tradition in Davis to come to the Picnic Day pancake Breakfast, and lots of locals attend when they come downtown to watch the Picnic Day Parade. Odd Fellow volunteers do all the work, and it’s a great community service and tradition. Volunteers set up, sell tickets, cook, serve, bus dishes, and clean up. Contact Committee Chair Holly Bishop at holly@hollytime.com if you wish to help. Holly says that last year they had 16 volunteers. She has already gotten several volunteers to step up, including Kathy Hemness who will serve as co-chair and be in charge of the kitchen and cooking.

Picnic Day Float Committee. Another tradition that goes back in time is the Picnic Day Parade. There are bands, marchers and small floats sponsored by various organizations at UCD and in Davis. Thousands of folks from Davis and the region come to town to watch the parade. For several years the Davis Odd Fellows have designed, constructed, hammered, nailed, sawed, painted, etc. a Picnic Day Float, and we will do it again in 2022. The Lodge owns a trailer just for this purpose. We need volunteers to help with a fun project: design and build a Picnic Day Float. The Picnic Day Float Committee for 2022 will be Chaired by Marcus Marino (an architect). Other Odd Fellows who have already volunteered to help are James Bledsoe, Larry Guenther, and Doug Houck. If you wish to be part of this project, please contact Marcus at marcusm1215@gmail.com.

* * * * * * *

Say “Hello” to Our Pledges

The current Pledge Class is the Spring 2022 Pledge Class. Those who make it through this process are looking at Initiation as Odd Fellows in March. There are 24 Pledges in this group, as follows:

Spring 2022 Pledge Class:

Ashley Arax (Sponsor Sydney Vergis)
Dewey Bandy (Sponsor Aaron Wedra)
Randall Basinger (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Dominic Berlingeri (Sponsor Aaron Wedra)
Benjamin Brezing (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Alex Chen (Sponsor Charlene Sailer)
Kelly Fung-Chen (Sponsor Charlene Sailer)
John Coburn (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Mark Donnelly (Sponsor Aaron Wedra)
Marc Erwin (Sponsor Scott Wetzlich)
Adrienne Fortini (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
George Garafalo (Sponsor Morrie Kraemer)
Heidi Garafalo (Sponsor Morrie Kraemer)
Mark Grandjean (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Julian Hartline (Sponsor Keli O’Day)
Lauren Keene (Sponsor Scott Wetzlich)
Danny Manning (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Elisabeth Manning (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Marcus Marino (Sponsor Lea Rosenberg)
Ilse Pastor (Sponsor Matt Elliott)
Brian Russell (Sponsor Dave Rosenberg)
Ernie Silva (Sponsor Dave Reed)
Amy Sinclair (Sponsor Ed Lewis)
Nathan Temple (Sponsor Nancy Temple)

The Spring 2022 Pledge Class is full, so we have started the next group: The Summer 2022 Pledge Class. The “survivors” of this group will be initiated into the Lodge sometime during the coming summer. We already have two applicants:

Vesta Ghanvamzadeh (Sponsor Dawn Coder)
Michael Medina (Sponsor Debra McGee)

If you have anyone you wish to sponsor, let Dave Rosenberg know daverose@jps.net, and we can include them in the Summer 2022 Pledge Class.

* * * * * * *

Odd Fellows Second Sunday Bingo at the Lodge Returns on February 13

Odd Fellows Second Sunday Bingo is coming back after a two-year Covid hiatus. The first session is planned for Sunday, Febraury 13. Doors open at 12 noon, and Bingo begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Lodge Hall. Players can win cash money – up to $250 for the final blackout Bingo game. This is a fun was to spend a Sunday afternoon, and its all for a good cause. The Bingo Committee identifies a local community or charitable beneficiary that will receive all the proceeds after Bingo winners are paid. Beneficiaries can receive over $1,000 in this manner, depending on how many folks come out to play. The February beneficiary is Team Davis! Here is the flier/poster for our first community Bingo of 2022:

 

Volunteers for this committee are welcomed. If you wish to volunteer for the Bingo Committee, contact one of the co-chairs: Alice Stewart at alices0902@gmail.com or Matthew Elliott at superfood@gmail.com.

* * * * * * *

The Next Club Night at the Lodge Will Be Thursday, January 6; No Club Night on December 30

There will be no Club Night at the Lodge on Thursday, December 30.

Club Night at the Lodge returns in 2022, starting on Thursday, January 6.

* * * * * * *

Classic Films Are Coming Back to the Lodge in February

 

Classic films from the Golden Age of Hollywood are coming back after a two-year Covid break. The Odd Fellows Classic Film Festival, featuring noted film reviewer Derrick Bang, returns to the Lodge’s Upper Hall this coming February. The theme for this series of films is “Light-hearted Larceny”. Here is what is on tap:

February 6: “The Pink Panther” (this is the original) featuring Peter Sellers and David Niven
February 13: “Charade” starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant
Febraury 20: A special event with Derrick Bang and book signing his two recent books
February 27: “The Fortune Cookie” with Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau

For all these evenings, doors will open at 6:29 p.m. The presentations are open to the general public and there is no charge – it’s all free, but donations are gratefully accepted. In addition to the films, the Odd Fellows offer complimentary popcorn, the bar will be open for purchases of wine and beer, and According to Bazooka (our own Richard and Rene) will be performing a few numbers before the films begin.

Folks who attend will have to follow Yolo County health guidelines and will also be required to show proof of vaccination. The Classic Film Committee wants all attendees of the Film Festival to feel safe and comfortable.

* * * * * * *

And Now For Something Really Unusual

Brother Alex Haider-Winnett has forward the following and asked that it be included in the Odd Gossip Page. Check it out if it tickles your “interest bone”. Here’s what Alex forwarded:

“The Noble Order of Muscovites is an interfraternal order that performs comedic skits as Degrees to raise money for charity.

While the majority of members are Freemasons or Odd Fellows, people of all genders that belong to any fraternal or service order can join in the fun!

Follow the link below to register for the next virtual Degree on February 5th.”

Registration is now open!
https://forms.gle/TUwCsBD1a9KLaf3EA #repostandroid #repostw10

* * * * * * *

Some Dates to Note!

Wednesday, December 29. Blood Drive at the Lodge, start time 12 noon till 5 pm.

Thursday, December 30. Club Night at the Lodge canceled tonight in lieu of New Year’s.

Thursday, January 6. Happy New Year! First Club Night of 2022. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 8. Second Saturday Odd Fellows breakfast meeting canceled due to Membership Educational Seminar.

Saturday, January 8. Davis Encampment meeting canceled due to Membership Educational Seminar.

Monday, January 10. Odd Needlecrafters meet at the Lodge at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 13. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 15. Davis Odd Fellows Lodge special breakfast meeting. Breakfast is served at 8:45 a.m. and the meeting starts at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, January 19. Canton Davis Installation Dinner at the Lodge, start time 6:31 p.m.

Thursday, January 20. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 22. Davis Encampment Installation Dinner at the Lodge, start time 5:00 p.m.

Monday, January 24. Davis Rebekah Lodge Installation Dinner at the Lodge, start time 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 26. Canton Davis evening meeting canceled in lieu of Installation Dinner a few nights earlier.

Wednesday, January 26. Davis Odd Fellows Lodge fourth Wednesday evening meeting canceled in lieu of Installation and Awards Dinner a few nights later.

Thursday, January 27. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 30. Davis Odd Fellows Lodge Installation and Awards Dinner at the Lodge, start time 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 3. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 6. The Odd Fellows Classic Film Festival shows “The Pink Panther”, doors open at 6:29 p.m.

Thursday, February 10. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 12. Davis Odd Fellows Breakfast Meeting. Breakfast is served at 8:45 a.m. and meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Febraury 12. Davis Encampment meeting at the Lodge begins around 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Febraury 13. Second Sunday Bingo comes back to the Lodge, doors open at 12 noon and Bingo begins at 1 p.m.

Sunday, February 13. The Odd Fellows Classic Film Festival shows “Charade”, doors open at 6:29 p.m.

Monday, Febraury 14. Odd Needlecrafters meet at the Lodge at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 17. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Febraury 20. Special Event “Derrick Bang Book Signing at the Lodge”, doors open at 6:29 p.m.

Wednesday, February 23. Canton Davis meeting at the Lodge begins at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 23. Davis Odd Fellows 4th Wednesday Evening Meeting. Social hour begins at 6:15 p.m. and meeting starts at 7:01 p.m.

Thursday, February 24. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 27. The Odd Fellows Classic Film Festival shows “The Fortune Cookie”, doors open at 6:29 p.m.

Monday, February 28. Davis Rebekah Lodge Evening Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 3. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 7. Odd Needlecrafters meet at the Lodge at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 10. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 12. Odd Fellows Lodge Second Saturday Breakfast Meeting. Breakfast served at 8:45 a.m. and meetign starts at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, March 12. Davis Encampment meeting at the Lodge begins around 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, March 13. Davis Odd Fellows Second Sunday Bingo at the Lodge. Doors open at 12 noon and Bingo begins at 1 p.m.

Thursday, March 17. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 22. Davis Rebekah Lodge Evening Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23. Canton Davis meets at the Lodge starting at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23. Davis Odd Fellows 4th Wednesday Evening Meeting. Social hour begins at 6:15 p.m. and meeting begins at 7:01 p.m.

Thursday, March 24. Club Night at the Lodge starts at 5:30 p.m.

* * * * * * *

And We Always Try to End with a Little Humor

* Being a little older, I am very fortunate to have someone call and check on me every day. He is from India and he is very concerned about my car warranty.

* We are not aging. We are ripening to perfection.

* We all know that mirrors don’t lie. I’m just grateful that mine doesn’t laugh.

* One day you’re young and fun, and the next day you’re turning down your car stereo to see better.

* It helps if you imagine that auto correct is a tiny little elf in your phone who’s trying so hard to be helpful, but is in fact quite drunk.

F – L – T

Dave Rosenberg
The Old Odd Gossiper